Reported spiking incidents in Scotland have surged by almost 56% in a single year, rising to 154 cases, according to Police Scotland. Of those, 24 were linked to sexual offences. The sharp increase has reignited concerns about safety on nights out, with authorities urging women and girls to remain vigilant.
Sharp rise in reported cases
The figures, covering the last year, show a dramatic increase from the previous year's total. Police Scotland confirmed that 24 of the reported incidents were connected to sexual offences. Campaigners, however, warn that the true scale of spiking could be far higher, as many victims never report the crime due to fear of not being believed or lack of memory after being drugged.
Political reaction and calls for new law
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr MSP described the figures as “shocking” and a “damning indictment” of the SNP’s approach to justice. He said: “We know the true scale of spiking is far greater because too many victims still lack confidence that anything will be done when they come forward. The SNP have repeatedly ignored calls for a standalone offence, despite rising cases and abysmal conviction rates. Their complacency has failed victims and emboldened offenders. It is time to toughen the law, introduce a specific spiking offence, and make it clear that this dangerous, predatory crime will be met with the full force of the law.”
Victim awareness and underreporting
According to Spike Aware UK, most victims of spiking are young females in their late teens and early twenties, but anyone can be targeted. Colin Mackie, who co-founded the charity with his wife Mandy after their son Greg died following a suspected spiking in 2017, said: “The majority of spiking attacks go unreported. This is usually because the victims cannot actually recall the detail of what happened to them due to the effects of the spiking drug on their memory. Most young people are fully aware of what spiking is and live with the fear of being attacked. Spiking is accepted as part of a ‘normal’ night out for most young people and has been for many years.”
Definition and consequences
Drink spiking is defined as the secret addition of alcohol or drugs – including illegal or prescription substances – to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. Experts say it is often linked to serious offences including sexual assault, theft, and physical assault, as well as so-called “pranks”. The surge in reported cases has renewed concerns about safety on nights out, particularly for women and girls.
Legal landscape and government response
England and Wales have made spiking a new stand-alone criminal offence carrying a 10-year jail term. However, the Scottish Government has ruled out introducing similar legislation despite growing calls from campaigners. Chief Superintendent Derek Cree said: “If a sufficiency of evidence is gained, reports are submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. People should be able to go out for a night out without fear of being spiked.” A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime, and comprehensive laws are already in place to prosecute perpetrators of spiking.”
